Basic terms of peace between Japan and China. (Jap troops in China & Recognition of Manchukuo.)

#Sept 23

A 5381

22588

Berlin 1161

I repeatedly requested-our Government's real national policy.

**Sept 26

N 5438

22748

Tokyo 595

Japanese Proposal of Sept. 25, 1941 (submitted to State Dept. on Sept. 27, 1941). (Amplifies the Note of Sept. 6th (JD 4941) and attempts to force the U.S. to relinquish its position. It is apparent that the negotiations are getting nowhere and that the Japanese believe that the U.S. will back down or resort to appeasement if they put up a determined front.)

#Sept 26

A 5441

22753

Tokyo 597

Nomura is bawled-out.

#Sept 27

A 5464

22787

Wash. 852

Nomura apologizes.

Sept 30

A 5510

22870

Tokyo 614

This whole matter concerns the China Incident and the South Seas question.

[5]

OCTOBER 1941

DATE

JD#

SIS#

OTHER #

BRIEF

*Oct. 2

A 5598

22987

Wash. 881

Interview with Adm. Stark. "The Admiral stated that if the United States fights a two-ocean war she will have to defend herself in the Pacific."

#Oct. 3

N 5593

23034

Wash. 869

Relations of Terasaki (First Sec'y.) and Schmidt (spy).

#Oct. 6

A 5640

23114

Wash. 901

Nomura sounds a warning against further aggression.

#Oct. 7

N 5650

23162

Wash. 880

Nomura advises caution: "After Japan has had time to evaluate the results let her determine her course."

#Oct. 7

N 5661

23166

Wash. 894

Nomura submits his humble opinion: "The only remaining problem is that concerning the evacuating of our troops (from China)."

#Oct. 8

A 5693

23220

Tokyo 647

The internal situation here-would not permit further delay.

Oct. 9

N 5696

23260

Tokyo #83

Area designations in Pearl Harbor (for spy reports).

Oct. 10

N 5730

23312

Honolulu #41

Dock & Mooring designations in Pearl Harbor (for spy reports).

#Oct. 10

N 5738

23318

Harbin 129

Promise of American aid to Russia.

#Oct. 13

N 5779

23421

Tokyo 658

"The situation at home is fast approaching a crisis."

#Oct. 13

N ____

_____

GZ-9

Crisis in Japan (see JD 5779).

*Oct. 15

N 5838

23513

Berlin 1237

Ambassador Oshima urges Japan attack Russia-"at the time of the fall of Moscow"-and adds "It is absolutely essential for us to make sure of the resources and markets of the
south."

*Oct. 16

N ____

_____

GZ-10

Kramer's Memo to CNO with paraphrase of JD #5838.

#Oct. 16

A 5854

23570

Wash. 943

Interview with Adm. Turner. (Withdrawal of Jap troops from China.

#Oct. 15

A 5854

23516

do

do

#Oct. 16

N 5888

23622

Berlin 1236

Protest on Domei editorial.

Oct. 17

N 5898

23629

Rome 661

Evacuation of Japanese merchants from Europe.

#Oct. 17

A 5901

23631

Tokyo 671

German pressure on Japan.

#Oct. 18

N 5919

23677

Rome 664

"My (Paulucci's) personal opinion is that Japan should strike at the Soviet Union immediately."

Oct. 18

N 5923

23677

Tokyo 682

Resignation of Jap cabinet.

Oct. 20

A 5941

23715

Wash. 959

Conversation between Terazaki and Adm. Turner.

Oct. 23

A 6017

23859

Wash. ___

Nomura submits his resignation. "I don't want to continue this hypocritical existence deceiving [6] other people...As a man of honor this is the only way open to me." (This is why Kurusu was sent.)

Oct. 27

A 6084

23996

Wash. 989

"The Chief of Staff has sent the Military Attache some secret advice. Is this the future policy of the Government."

Oct. 28

A 6116

24046

Shanghai 361

"At the time of a Japanese advance to the North."

Oct. 26

N 6118

24070

Mex. City 422

Sec'y. Knox's statement that there would be imminent action in the Far East.

*Oct. 28

N 6138

24125

Tokyo 674

Japanese nationals evacuating the N. E. I.

Oct. 30

6175

24192

Wash. 1004

Talk with Adm. Pratt-"Stark cannot be said to be a 'strong' individual, Admiral Pratt said."

Page 193

Index of translations and memoranda re Pearl Harbor-Continued.

[7]

NOVEMBER 1941

DATE

JD#

SIS#

OTHER #

BRIEF

Nov. 1

N 6204

24249

Hsinking 697

Border clash. "Let the matter be forgotten.

Nov. 4

N 6238

24322

Tokyo 343

Japanese nationals evacuating the Philippine.

*Nov. 4

A 6248

24330

Tokyo 725

Counter proposals will be given in #726 & 727. Conditions both within and without our Empire are so tense that no longer is procrastination possible. This is our last effort. The success or failure of the pending discussions will have an immense effect on the
destiny of the Empire of Japan.

*Nov. 4

A 6249

24334-24337

Tokyo 726

Proposal "A"-Submitted in Part to State Dept. on Nov. 7, 1941. "How hard have we fought in China for four years. What tremendous sacrifices have we made. They must know
this...In any case, our internal situation also makes it impossible for us to make any further compromise."

"Ambassador Kurusu is leaving by clipper on the 7th. He is carrying no additional instructions(!)"

**Nov. 5

N 6254

24373

Tokyo 736

It is absolutely necessary that all arrangements for the signing of this agreement be completed by the 25th of this month. (Of utmost secrecy.)

#Nov. 5

N 6275

24386

Tokyo 734

Ambassador Kurusu left the 5th for (Shanghai(?)).

#Nov. 6

A 6302

24439

Tokyo 739

We are sending Ambassador Kurusu to show our Empire's sincerety...To make it sound good we are telling the public...Both the Army and Navy are pleased. (Note: See JD #6017.)

Nov. 7

N 6320

24479

Wash. 1040

There is danger that America will see through our condition. If we have made up our minds to a final course of action it would be the part of wisdom to keep still about it.

Nov. 8[8]

N 6335

24533

Manila 722

Spy report on U.S. aircraft in the Philippines and analysis. (Note: This is why we did not worry too much over Japanese espionage.)

Nov. 12

N

_____

_______

"Dissemination to White House." (This memorandum in Kramer's handwriting records reasons for giving original translations to Pres. Roosevelt (& Sec'y. Hull) after Nov. 12, 1941. Prior to that time Memoranda forwarding Paraphrases of important messages had been furnished.)

*Nov. 12

N 6415

24373

Tokyo 762

The United States is still no full aware of the exceedingly criticalness of the situation here. The date set in message #736 is a definite deadline. The situation is nearing a climax...time indeed becoming short.

#Nov. 12

N 6416

24654

Tokyo 763

Germany putting pressure on Japan to get tough with the U.S.

Nov. 17

A 6540

24853

Hsinking #1

Umetsu to Kurusu (Nov. 6, 1941.)

*Nov. 17

A 6541

24854

Hsinking #2 (Appended to #1).

Manchukuo-Soviet Relations. (It would be impossible for us to fight the Soviet Union unless something unforeseen happens. The Kwangtung military command is restraining the forces there from any rash action. The Soviet is also endeavoring not to antagonize our
country.

*Nov. 17

A 6542

24856

Hsinking #3 (Appended to #1).

Estimate of the Russo-German War. (The foundations of the Stalin regime are very firmly fixed. The outlook for any early close to hostilities in Europe is fading.)

**Nov. 17& 22[9]

A 6553

24877,24857&25139

Wash. 1090

Nomura's swan song (Nov. 14, 1941.) (The policy of the American Govt. in the Pacific is to stop any further moves on our part, either southward or northward. They are contriving by every possible means to prepare for actual warfare. It is not their intention to repeat the Munich Conference. The apex of German victories has been passed. The United States would not favor us at the sacrifice of China: This war will be long, and whoever can hold out till the end will be the victors. I would like to caution patience for one or two months to get a clear view of
the world situation. This would be the best plan.

Nov. 17

A 6638

24878

Tokyo ___

Reply to Nomura. (The fate of our Empire hangs by a slender thread of a few days. I set the deadline. There will be no change.)

Page 194

Index of translations and memoranda re Pearl Harbor-Continued.

NOVEMBER 1941-Continued

DATE

JD#

SIS#

OTHER #

BRIEF

*Nov. 22

A 6710

25138

Tokyo 812

There are reasons beyond your ability to guess why we wanted to settle Japanese-American relations by the 25th, but if the signing can be completed by the 29th, we have decided to wait until that date. This time we mean it that the deadline absolutely cannot be
changed. After that things are automatically going to happen.

Nov. 24

N 6731

25171

Tokyo 969

We would welcome peace between Germany and the Soviet Union.

#Nov. 24

A 6737

25174

Wash. 1148

Continue your efforts in guiding newspaper opinion.

*Nov. 24

A 6744

25178

Tokyo 823

The time limit set in my #812 is in Tokyo time. (See JD #6710.)

Nov. 26

A 6801

25322

Tokyo 2319

Should negotiations collapse...we will completely destroy British and American power in China. Keep absolutely quiet the existence of these decisions. (Circular to China Net-Nov. 14, 1941.)

Washington-Tokyo Telephone Conversation Nov. 27, 1941 (2327-2334 E.S.T.)-The south, southward matter. A crisis does appear imminent. Regarding negotiations-do not break them off. We have a
crisis o hand the Army is champing at the bit. [Note: This was only telephone conversation of any importance.] (See JD 6841.)

#Nov. 26 [10]

A 6891 6896

25435 &25436

Wash. 1180

Our failure and humiliation are complete.

#Nov. 28

A 6892

25437

Wash. 1181

It is better to wire urgent news than to phone it.

*Nov. 28

A 6898

25445

Tokyo 844

The United States has gone ahead and presented this humiliating proposal (of Nov. 26th). Negotiations will be de facto ruptured. Do not give the impression that negotiations are broken off.

Make one more attempt. Please be careful that this does not lead to anything like a breaking off of negotiations.

[11]

DECEMBER 1941

DATE

JD#

SIS#

OTHER #

BRIEF

#Dec. 1

N 6939

25545

Tokyo 2436

Destroying codes with chemicals.

*Dec. 1

N 6942

25556

Berlin 1393

Ribbentrop said, "It is essential that Japan effect the New Order in East Asia without losing this opportunity." "Should Japan become engaged in a war against the U.S. Germany, of course, would join the war immediately." Foreign Minister Ribbentrop requested that the contents of our talks be kept a
strict secret.

**Dec. 1

A 6943

25552-2553

Tokyo 985

The conversations between Tokyo and Washington now stand ruptured-broken. Say very secretly to Hitler and Ribbentrop that there is extreme danger that war may suddenly break out between the Anglo-Saxon nations and Japan, and this war may come quicker
than anyone dreams. Will not relax our pressure on the Soviet, but for the time being we would prefer to refrain from any direct moves in the north. Impress on the Germans and Italians how important secrecy is. (Nov. 30, 1941.)[Note: Coded message forwarded by Com 16 as GYROF
010001, 010014, or 010027. Also forwarded by London as Admiralty #104 and #105. Admiralty 011530 advised "Tokyo to Berlin of immediate interest to].

Page 195

Index of translations and memoranda re Pearl Harbor-Continued.

DECEMBER 1941-Continued

DATE

JD#

SIS#

OTHER #

BRIEF

*Dec. 1

A 6944

25554 &25555

Tokyo 986

The Imperial Govt. can no longer continue negotiations with the U.S. The proposal presented by the U.S. on the 26th contains one insulting clause. It clearly a trick. The U.S. has decided to regard Japan as an enemy. (Nov. 30, 1941.)[Forwarded by Com 16 as CYROF 010001, 010014, or 010029.]

Dec. 2

A 6974

25572

Hsinking 781

In the event war breaks out with England and the U.S.-Persons to be interned: (a) British nationals, 339; (b) American citizens, 81; (d) Nationals of the Soviet observed to be obnoxious characters with pro-British and American leanings are to be suitably taken
care of.

#Dec. 2

N 6981

25604

Rome 768

Japanese language broadcasts to Europe. (Nov. 29, 1941.)

#Dec. 2

A 6982

25571

Rio 482

At present we can hear only the 6:30 p.m. JVJ transmission to the U.S. (Nov. 30,1941.)

*Dec. 1

N 6983

25605

Tokyo 865

To prevent the United States from becoming unduly suspicious we have been advising the press and others that the negotiations are continuing. The above is for only your information. (GY Log #6428.)

**Dec. 1

N 6984

25606

Tokyo 2444

The four offices in London, Hongkong, Singapore, and Manila have been instructed to abandon the use of the code machines and dispose of them. The machine in Batavia has been returned to Japan. (GY-Log #6432.)

JD #7001 or #6975 is believed to be the (missing) translation of the Winds Message.

Dec. 3

N 7012

25656

Berlin 1396

Note from German Ambassador concerning what is to be done in the event of an Anglo-Japanese and an American-Japanese war. (Dec. 1, 1941.)

*Dec. 3

A 7017

25640

Tokyo 867

Washington burn all codes except one copy of "Oite" (Pa-K2) and "L" (LA). Stop using the code machine and destroy it completely. When you have finished this, wire back "HARUNA." Destroy all messages files and other secret documents. (Dec. 2, 1941.)

#Dec. 4

A 7029

25694

Tokyo 114 or 111.

Investigate fleet bases in Hawaii reservation. (Nov. 20, 1941-J-19.)

#Dec. 5

A 7063

25773

Tokyo 113

Report ships in Pearl Harbor, Manila Bay, etc. (Nov. 20, 1941-J-19.)

#Dec. 5 [13]

A 7064

25772

Honolulu 224

Unimportant spy report. (Nov. 18, 1941-I.)

Dec. 5

N 7080

25781

Tokyo 842

The United States might make a protective occupation of the Dutch East Indies. (Nov. 27, 1941.)

*Dec. 5

N 7086

25823

Tokyo 122

In the future report even when there are no (ship) movements. (Nov. 29, 1941-J19.)

Dec. 5

N 7091

25787

Tokyo 2443

London discontinue use of code machine and dispose of it immediately. Wire "SETUJU." (Dec. 1, 1941.)

**Dec. 4

N 7092

25783

Tokyo 893

Manchuria will take the same steps toward England and America that this country will take in case war breaks out. American and British consular officials and offices will not be recognized as having special rights. Great care shall be exercised not to antagonize Russia. (Dec. 1st.) [Note: Intercepted by Army at Fort Shafter, T.H. Received by Navy in late afternoon of Dec. 3, 1941, LCT. (GY Log #6498.)]

Tokyo Circular #2447. Orders have been issued to our diplomatic officials in North America and the South Seas, and to all our officials in British and Netherlands territory to burn all telegraphic codes except one copy of "Oite" and "L". (Dec. 2-J19.)

Dec. 6

N 7136

25836

Wash. 1268

We have completed destruction of codes but since negotiations are still continuing I request to delay the destruction of one code machine. (Dec. 5th.)

Dec. 6

A 7142

25835

Tokyo 897

Destroy one "B" code machine and use the other for the time being. [Note: #897 was the first Tokyo to Washington serial sent on Dec. 6, 1941. We intercepted #897-912 solid.]

After deciphering Part 14 of my 902 and also 907, 908, and 909, destroy at once the remaining cipher machine. (Extremely Urgent.)

**Dec. 7

N 7148

25856

Tokyo 2494

Relations between Japan and England are not in accordance with expectations. (In Hidden Word Code.)(See JD #6985.)

**Dec. 6

A 7149

25838

Tokyo 901

Re my 844 (JD 6898). The Govt. has deliberated on the American proposal of the 26th of November and as a result we have drawn up a memorandum for the U.S. contained in my separate message 902, in English. This message is very long-in 14 parts. Keep it secret for the time being. I will wire you in a separate message the time of presenting this memorandum to the U.S. Present it to the Americans just as soon as you receive instructions. [Note: #901 was intercepted before #904 and #902. See GY Log #6612.]

#Dec. 7

A 7150

25857

Tokyo 905

According to AP & UP reports the President has wired a personal message to His Majesty the Emperor. Please wire me the facts. (Urgent.)

Same as #911 but in PAK2 (Dec. 7th) [Note: #912 was the last Tokyo-Washington serial sent. Our file of Tokyo-Washington serials sent on Dec. 6 & 7, 1941, is complete.)

*Dec. 10

N 7280

26029

Honolulu 252

The following ships are in port on the afternoon of the fifth: 8 battleships, 3 light cruisers, 16 destroyers. Four ships of the Honolulu class were in dock. (Dec. 5th-PAK2.) [Note: Army intercept forwarded (by mail?) from San Francisco.

Page 197

Index of translations and memoranda re Pearl
Harbor-Continued.

DECEMBER 1941-Continued

DATE

JD#

SIS#

OTHER #

BRIEF

*Dec. 10

N 7294

26053

Honolulu 241

The usual schedule for departure and return of the battleships is: leaving on Tuesday and returning on Friday and returning on Saturday of the following week. (Dec. 1-J19.)[Note: Army intercept forwarded (by mail?) from San Francisco.]

#Dec. 11

N 7299

26047

Wash. 1278

Re your #910 we will commence the demolition (of the code machine) and destruction by fire. [Note: Last Purple message sent by Washington (Dec. 7th.)]

#Dec. 12

A 7330

26103

Cant. 512

The Army has completed all preparations to move immediately on Thai. (Dec. 2-J19.)[Note: Place of interception not known.]

Dec. 11 [16]

N 7335

26108

Pek. 625

Coincident with the beginning of the war against Britain and America. (Dec. 5th.) [Note: Intercepted at Fort Shafter, T.H. Received Dec. 10, 1941-see GY Log #6749.]

_____

______

______

903

See entry after JD #7205.

_____

______

______

906

See JD #7183.

_____

______

______

911

See JD #7205.

_____

______

______

912

See Entry after JD #7257.

#Dec. 7

A 7157

25859

Tokyo 118

Honolulu retain codes so long as the local situation permits. (Nov. 28-J19.)

#Dec. 8

A 7158

25880

Tokyo 119

Report entrance and departure of capital ships. (Nov. 28-J19.)

#Dec. 8

A 7164

25879

Tokyo 2445

Burn all codes with exception of one copy of "Oite" and "L". Wire "HARUNA." Burn all secret documents. Be especially careful not to arouse suspicion. (To Habana.)(Dec. 2-J19.)

#Dec. 7

A 7170

25868

Tokyo 899

Anti-U.S. Propaganda

#Dec. 7

A 7171

25851

Tokyo/Extra

Correction to #902.

#Dec. 7

A 7175

25845

Wash/Extra

Request correction to #902. [Note: This is why Nomura was late.]

#Dec. 7

A 7176

25846

Wash. 1272

Japanese attempts to influence the American Govt. (Dec. 6th.)

#Dec. 7

A 7178

25877

Honolulu 253

There is considerable opportunity left to take advantage for a surprise attack against these places. (Dec. 6th-PAK2.)[Army intercept forwarded by teletype from San Francisco.]

*Dec. 8

A 7179

25874

Honolulu 254

It appears that no air reconnaissance is being conducted by the fleet air arm. (Dec. 6th-PAK2.)[Army intercept forwarded by teletype from San Francisco.]

#Dec. 8

A 7183

25852

Tokyo 906

Minister SAKAMOTO return to his post at once. (Urgent.)

**Dec. 7

A 7184

25866

Budapest 104

On the 6th, the American Minister presented to the Government of this country a British government communique to the effect that a state of war would break out on the 7th. (LA)

#Dec. 8

A 7199

25896

Tokyo 898

Send Terasaki to his post immediately. (Urgent. (Dec. 6th.)

#Dec. 8

N 7205

25923

Tokyo 911

Minor correction to #902. (Dec. 7th.)

#Dec. 8

A

_____

Tokyo 903

Washington send #1286 to Brazil. (LA)

#Dec. 8[17]

A 7212

25928

Honolulu 238

Honolulu spy report. (Nov. 28-J19.)

#Dec. 11

N 7338

26109

Wash. 1276

Please wire the December operating expense for all offices today. (Dec. 7-LA)

Explanation of circumstances attending Nomura's presentation of Japanese Declaration of War to the U.S. Govt.: "We really supposed that negotiations had broken off first, and that shooting had taken place after this...The President's speech was trying to hide the fact that the United States had been taken by surprise and failed in the first step." (Dec. 11-J19)[Forwarded from Bainbridge Island by
teletype.]

#Dec. 14

A 7479

26294

Rio 379

Tokyo Circular #2750:-The Imperial Naval Air Force damaged three battleships and sank three in the Battle of Hawaii. Those sunk were the Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Arizona. (Dec. 14-Plan [sic] Language.)

#Dec. 16[18]

A 7511

26351 &26352

Hono. 234

Spy report on maneuvers of U.S. Pacific Fleet. (Nov. 24-J19)[Note: Intercepted by Army at San Francisco.]

#Dec. 19

A 7590

26479

Tokyo #4

War News Circular #4. The following report based on what the attacking forces witnessed during the battle as well as photographic observations after the battle, show that we had completely destroyed the United States Pacific Fleet and the American Air Forces in the
Hawaiian region. (Detailed losses reported were very accurate.)(Dec. 18-Plain Language.)

#Dec. 26

N 7848

26881

Pek. 616

If this war does start, this will be a war which will decide the rise or fall of the Japanese Empire...It can be imagined that the next war is to be a longer one than the China Incident (Dated Dec. 3, 1941.)[Note: Intercepted at Corregidor, Dec. 7, 1941.
Forwarded by Com 16 GYROF #-?- and received Dec. 8, 1941. GY Log #6707.]

**Dec. 30

A 8007

27065

Tokyo 123

To Honolulu: In view of the present situation, the presence in port of warships, airplane carriers, and cruisers is of utmost importance. Let me know day by day. Wire me in each case whether or not there are any observation balloon above Pearl Harbor. Also
whether or not the warships are provided with anti-mine nets. (Dec. 2-J19)[Note: Intercepted at Fort Shafter, T.H. Reason for long delay not known, but apparently someone fumbled the ball. Note on translation says: "This message was received here Dec. 23."]